Connect with others who understand.

  • Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  • Real advice from people who’ve been there
  • People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
Powered By
Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
British Columbia maple Ridge
May 26
 · 
Reactions

Answer Summary

Members explored whether vestibular migraines and vertigo could be connected to RA, with many sharing that RA's inflammatory nature can affect... Read more

Members explored whether vestibular migraines and vertigo could be connected to RA, with many sharing that RA's inflammatory nature can affect the entire nervous system in surprising ways. Several members described personal experiences including Meniere's disease, vocal cord paralysis, swallowing difficulties, and dizzy spells, often noting that symptoms appeared long before a clear RA diagnosis was made. A recurring theme was the importance of self-advocacy and doing your own research, with many members encouraging one another to push for specialist referrals, especially to neurologists, rather than settling for slow or dismissive medical care.

A myRAteam Member

When the med staff is slow, I become a pest. I ask if they have emails that I can communicate if they don't answer a call. Surprisingly they give it to me. I can be charming when I need to. 😁😁😁

May 27
A myRAteam Member

RA can affect every part of your body. It’s an inflammation issue. So I can easily see that it affects the nervous system. One of the first complications that I had was viral meningitis which left me with decrease in hearing and decrease in my vision. I developed laryngeal nerve damage also called vocal cord paralysis which left me hoarse and the inability to swallow
I used to get choked easily. I have to chew my food like baby food basically and have to turn my head a certain way to swallow pills. Even now when I get tired, I get hoarse. I can’t swallow textures like rice and hamburger

May 26
A myRAteam Member

Hi Jennie,
Dizzy spells are nothing to play with. Call your dr for an appointment. The next spell may cause a worse fall and you may not anyone to help.
I'm adding you to my team. Welcome aboard.

May 31
A myRAteam Member

I thought I had read and learned all about Ra . But everyday is a new ? Problem? To try to understand. Some days it feels too much. I have come to a conclusion that the body doesn’t need to understand what and why , these diseases can come out to play anytime they decide you are ready for them. But I do believe knowledge is the key to a healthier lifestyle! Hugs

May 27
A myRAteam Member

My occasional dizziness, vertigo and slight nausea was diagnosed 30 years ago as Meniere's disease. Meclazine really helps. My hearing was and still is perfect.
That was long before a diagnosis of anything more than myofascial pain syndrome landed at my doorstep. However, all kinds of other crazy seemingly unrelated symptoms were being added to the list then too.
One particularly thorough rheumatologist did diagnose " some rheumatological process" going on that needed further investigation. I wish we hadn't moved right about then. No one followed his lead and he was so right.
It took years to get a clear diagnosis. Nobody took time to connect the dots. If I hadn't done my own research and advocated for myself, I believe I'd still be floundering around misdiagnosed.
It also didn't help that we moved so much courtesy of my husband's work. Bit disjointed medical care.

May 27

Related Questions

View All
A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Roseburg, OR

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Antrim, NH